Former Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Telvin Smith has been arrested in Florida and charged with unlawful sexual activities with a minor.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reported that Smith is accused of having sex with a 17-year-old girl on multiple occasions up until last September. The encounters allegedly occurred in his house and his car, ESPN reported.
Officials also reported that evidence to bolster their case was discovered in Smith’s car.
No court date is listed for the 29-year-old former NFL player.
“The Jaguars are aware of the report involving former linebacker Telvin Smith,” a team statement reads. “The club is unable to comment further on this ongoing investigation.”
Smith has not played for the Jaguars since 2018. He mysteriously stepped away from football at the end of that season, claiming that he needed time with his family. He neglected to participate in the Jaguars offseason conditioning program into 2019 and did not show for spring training. The team then moved to put him on the retired list before camp started last July.
“It was said to me from a great coach that in order for the man to be his best, he must get his world in order. At this time, I must take time away from this game and get my world in order,” Smith wrote on Instagram in 2019.
“I must give this time back to myself, my family, and my health. I appreciate all the support I will and will not get. I just ask y’all to respect my decision to not play football this season,” he added in the social media post.
The 2017 Pro Bowl player still had several years on his contract, but his salary was placed on hold starting in 2019. It is still set to resume if he rejoins the team in the near future.
According to ESPN: “Smith, who had a career-high 134 tackles in 2018, was a Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro in 2017 as part of a Jaguars defense that finished second in the NFL in sacks and turnovers forced and led the league in pass defense. The Jaguars scored seven defensive touchdowns that season, and Smith had two, as well as another in the postseason.”
Police records show that Smith was arrested on Wednesday afternoon and is being detained on a $50,000 bond.
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